My Half Birthday
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Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — The Look
Not only am I packing up a delicious spread of food to pair with the fresh oysters of Hog Island, but I'm also bringing a few simple decorations to transform the farm picnic area into a fabulous party zone. For example, a fabric tablecloth in a vibrant print incorporates a touch of elegance to the outdoor location. A single bouquet of tulips adds to the natural oceanside landscape.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Drinks
Months ago, I ripped this recipe for rose sangria out of Food and Wine magazine. The recipe has haunted me — I've tried to make it several times, but on each occasion, I've run into problems. The first shot I didn't realize the syrup needed a night to macerate.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Dessert
If you've been a fan of YumSugar for a while, you'll know that I have a thing for dulce de leche, the thick, milky caramel from South America. From layered cakes to ice cream sandwiches, I'm always looking for new ways to highlight my favorite sweet.
For my half birthday, I'll be experimenting with a recipe for chocolate dulce de leche bars.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Menu
Although some people may find it crazy, I celebrate my half birthday every year — hey, they don't call me PartySugar for nothing! Since a half birthday party should never be more elaborate than your real birthday, I'm hosting an intimate oyster picnic. A group of my closest friends will join me for an afternoon at the Hog Island Oyster Company Farm.
A Delicious Dessert: Lemon Ripple Cheesecake
At the last minute, I decided not to make the white chocolate-lime cheesecake bars for my half birthday party. Instead, I opted for these lemon ripple bars. Lemon seemed to evoke the flavors of Spring more than lime and white chocolate.
Behind the Scenes: My Half Birthday
Well, my half birthday party was last Thursday and it was fabulous fun! Since I gave you all of the pre-party details, I thought I'd take you behind the scenes of the sweet soirée. Here's my post-party thoughts, as well as a closer look at the party.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — The Look
With its brick walls, shabby chic chairs, and outdoor smoking cage, the decor at Rye is moody, yet friendly. I'll add my own touches to make the ordinary Thursday feel more like a party. However, I'm not going overboard, I want the look of my half birthday to be simple, yet cool.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Drinks
The best thing about hosting your half birthday party — or any party — at a bar is that you don't have to worry about the drinks! My soirée is at Rye — a bar that specializes in classic cocktails made with fresh and fabulous ingredients. Guests can choose and order what they feel like drinking.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Dessert
At all of my parties I like to provide guests with a sweet treat even if it is only a small bite. At my half birthday — besides filling bowls with M&Ms which is signature to all my events — I will make one refreshing dessert: white chocolate and lime cheesecake bars.
Instead of cutting the bars into squares, I'll use a cookie cutter to cut out circles making mini cheesecakes.
Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Menu
Since I am hosting my half birthday happy hour at a bar that does not serve food, I plan on making some snacks for my friends to enjoy. However, before I thought about the menu, I spoke to the owner of Rye and asked if I could bring in the food. After receiving his permission, I decided to keep things simple and elegant.
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